A sold out house of Baby Boomers at the Greek Theater were all smiles on Saturday night as the Monkees--Davy Jones, Mickey Dolenz and Peter Tork reunited for a 45th anniversary performance in Los Angeles.
There's not too many groups who were basically around for only 2 years in the late 1960's that can pull this off. And while still missing the other prominent member, Michael Nesmith.
But those two years of TV shows and hit songs have a lifelong impact on the post-war rebellious teens who went wild worldwide for this manufactured version of The Beatles.
Still making Justin Bieber look like the non-talent that he is, the distinctive voices of Davy Jones and Mickey Dolenz delighted the crowd with "I'm A Believer," "Last Train To Clarksville" and "Daydream Believer" which had all of us standing and singing along. Peter Tork's multi-musical ability had quite a showcase of its own. Davy can still dance like a vaudeville showman and did it simultaneously to that offbeat number in tux and tails from their one movie "Head."
The comedy element which endeared a whole generation to these four performers was present, clear and outstanding. Considering they are all now 65-70, their antics were as delightful as when they were kids themselves.
You'll recall that despite the worldwide phenomenon, the word leaked early on that they did not play the instruments on the first two albums, but only sang. They then went out on a successful concert tour to prove that they really could play as well as sing. Despite that, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is refusing to induct to them to this day.
Commenting on this, Peter made the most ironic statement:
"We were the first "cover band" to exist. Except we were covering our own band!"
